Upcoming food and spirit festivals, dinners and events

Upcoming food and beverage events

Vodka Vodka at Fillmore Detroit: One of the largest booze-tasting events in the area, Vodka Vodka features a club atmosphere and spirit brands from all over the world. Tickets include tasting tickets. 6:30 p.m. Fri. $35-$55. 2115 Woodward, Detroit. mtvodkavodka.com.

Kids Baking Class at Townsend Hotel: Aspiring pastry chefs can go behind the scenes and learn how to make marshmallow polar bears and cookies. Price includes an apron and treats to take home. 3-4:40 p.m. Sat. $30. 100 Townsend, Birmingham. (248) 642-7900.

Polar Beer Club at Royal Oak Farmers Market: A celebration of craft beer. General admission tickets include 15 samples and commemorative pint glass. VIP tickets get you in an hour early and include 20 sample tickets. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Sat. $45-$65. 316 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak. (248) 246-3276.

Subtleties of Scotch at Grosse Pointe War Memorial: Sample six types of Scotch and learn about the differences with beverage expert Michael Schafer. 7-9 p.m. Jan. 25. $45. 32 Lake Shore, Grosse Pointe Farms. warmemorial.org.

YumVillage dinner at Colors Restaurant: YumVillage chef Godwin Ihentuge creates a five-course meal. The event also includes live music and live art. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25. $65. 311 Grand River, Detroit. (313) 496-1212.

Wine Dinner at Rattlesnake Club: Sample wines from around the world chosen by sommelier Maria Papp to pair with a dinner from executive chef Jeff Lanctot. 6 p.m. Jan. 26. $70 plus tax and tip. 300 River Place, Detroit. (313) 567-4400.

Indulgence at Royal Oak Farmers Market: A festival of desserts and cocktails with more than 100 flavored alcoholic beverages to sample. 8-11 p.m. Jan. 27. $35, $50 VIP. 316 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak. indulgenceevent.com.

Sunday Night at Grandpa’s at Great Lakes Culinary Center: An ongoing dinner series that features local grandparents, this dinner features cuisine from Polish grandpa Kevin Gawronski, including dill pickle soup, pierogi, cucumber salad, stuffed cabbage and more. Cash bar available. 5:30-8 p.m. Jan. 28. $33, $18 for 10 and younger. 24101 W. Nine Mile, Southfield. (248) 286-3100 or glculinarycenter.com.

Birmingham Restaurant Week: Nearly two dozen restaurants in Birmingham will offer three-course lunches for $15 and dinners for $30 on Jan. 29-Feb. 2 and also Feb. 5-9. Visit BirminghamRestaurantWeek.org.

Mina’s Liberian/Mediterranean Pop-Up Dinner at Brooklyn Street Local: Chef Ameneh Marhaba blends Liberian and Mediterranean cuisine at her monthly pop-up dinners. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 7-10 p.m. Feb. 3. $43.23. 1266 Michigan, Detroit. kitchenramarj.com.

Vegbash at Royal Oak Farmers Market: A celebration of vegetarian and vegan cuisine from a dozen local restaurants, plus music, product exhibits, vendors and more. 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 8. $10 for ages 12 and over (includes $5 food voucher). 316 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak. vegbash.com.

Red wine class at Village Workshop: Explore six varieties of red wines just in time for Valentine’s Day with wine expert Michael Schafer. 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 8. $45. 455 E. Cady, Northville. (248) 667-7157 or thevillageworkshop.com.

The Pizza Throwdown at Eastern Market: Area pizza-makers gather under one roof for sampling and pizza-related discussion. Tickets include five sample slices. Noon-3 p.m. Feb. 11. $15. Shed 5, 2934 Russell, Detroit. dinedrinkdetroit.com.

Inverno in Toscana at Cafe Cortina: A winter Tuscan dinner paired with five regional wines, 5 p.m. Feb. 11. $135 per person, all inclusive. 30715 W. 10 Mile, Farmington Hills. (248) 474-3033.

Michigan Brewers Guild 13th Annual Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark: Tickets are on sale for this annual celebration of Michigan beer in the Grand Rapids area. 5-9 p.m. Feb. 23 and 1-6 p.m. Feb. 24. $45-$50. 4500 West River Drive NE, Comstock Park. mibeer.com.

Whisky Experience 2018 at Eastern Market: A benefit for the Luella M. Harden Foundation, which raises money for college scholarships and contributes to the Leukemia Society, this spirit-tasting event is samples, swag, some food and more. 5:30-9:30 p.m. April 20. $54.84, $75.95 for VIP. Eastern Market, 2934 Russell, Detroit. facebook.com/luellamhardenfoundation.

Melody Baetens